Album Notes

Chicago guitarist Steve Ramsdell dubbed the
"thinking man's guitarist" in Chicago New City released his first CD to document his compostions to date, as well as pianist/brother Alec Ramsdell's work. Eclectic musical explorations from Brazil, to Cuba to N.Y. influence the guitarist's musical direction. A "melodist at heart" Steve Ramsdell draws from Classical guitar studies at Northwestern and immersion in the styles of jazz masters like Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall.


"Within mostly ethereal settings, Ramsdell creates intriguingly angular phrases...a strong showing from an up-and-coming instrumentalist."
Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune

"...the bands ballads have a dreamy, smooth-jazz sheen, but the harmonic and rhythmic underpinnings leave space for the imagination, and Ramsdell and company respond with simple and effective improvisations. Added on to the leader's carefully crafted compositions, these solos complete the picture of a disciplined and single-minded ensemble..."
Niel Tesser, Chicago Reader

"As for the guitar work, Ramsdell is capable of altering his approach as frequently as he presents new compositional terrain...Good writing, good playing, good interacting."
Dave McElfresh, Cadence

"A record you want washing over you again and again"
Carlo Wolff, Arts Midwest